NYC'S MUSICAL LANDSCAPE CHANGES UP WITH GRAMMY AWARDS
Album cover design category shines spotlight on Sabrina Carpenter's creation within Grammy awards
The Grammys are shakin' things up in the Big Apple, putting a fresh spin on their game. The Recording Academy, the brainchild behind these prestigious music awards, has given their 2026 event a facelift, and it ain't just about the tunes.
One of the significant changes they've made is the introduction of a brand-new category – one dedicated entirely to the best album cover. Yes, you read that right – it's all about the art now! Everything from the splashy visuals on your favorite albums to the quirky designs that catch your eye on vinyl sleeves – they'll get their shine. The change comes after quite the commotion stirred by none other than Sabrina Carpenter, whose rumored album cover is causing a stir online.
On June 12, the Academy announced that they're combining their categories of Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package, renaming it the Best Recording Package category. The Best Album Cover category will stand alone, making its debut at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026. Last year, Charli xcx's "Brat" album dominated the Best Recording Package category, with its unique cover quickly becoming a fan favorite and meme sensation.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, spoke out about the changes, saying, "We want to represent the music people we serve each year. To do that, we have to listen to our members and make sure our rules reflect today's music."
Amidst all the music talkin', Carpenter dropped a bombshell on June 11, announcing the title and release date for her upcoming album, "Man's Best Friend." The controversial cover features our pop superstar kneeling on all fours, donned in a black dress and high heels, with an unseen person pulling her by the hair. The interweb has lit up with both fans applauding its satirical edge and critics labeling it demeaning.
If Carpenter releases "Man's Best Friend" on August 29, as promised, and the Grammy eligibility period remains the same, the new cover might just land her a spot in this innovative category!
Though specific criteria for the Best Album Cover category haven't been officially revealed yet, Grammy Awards typically focus on artistic merit, creativity, and technical excellence. The new category, targeted at the visual artistry of album covers, would evaluate originality, adherence to album content themes, and production quality. In simpler terms, it'll be a celebration of fabulous artistry that goes hand-in-hand with great tunes!
That's a wrap on the latest Grammy news, y'all! Enjoy the music – and the art!
The new Best Album Cover category at the 68th Grammy Awards is expected to spotlight the creativity and artistic merit in music album covers, providing a platform for visual artistry that complements the music. If Sabrina Carpenter's controversial cover for her upcoming album "Man's Best Friend" is released within the Grammy eligibility period and meets the category's criteria, it could potentially be a contender in this innovative category, combining entertainment and music in an unprecedented way.
